Most employers offer help when people become new parents, but what happens when people become new parents to puppies?

There are numerous benefits of having a dog – reducing stress, reducing depression, lowering blood pressure, in fact the list is virtually endless, so why are we making our team leave their dogs at home?

Here are 6 reasons why you should make your office dog friendly…

1. Dogs offer social support

Dogs are a powerful source of social support for humans. They don’t care what’s going on around you, they are going to love you anyway! The support they offer is very real, direct and offers extra emotional support when you and your colleagues need it.

2. Dogs encourage exercise

Dog owners walk 79% further than non-dog owners - helping with physical and mental health, something that helps everyone… especially at work. Dog owners are more likely to go for a walk at lunchtime and not eat at their desk – something which is unhealthy and can increase screen time, resulting in no mental break at work, no socialising and no enjoyment.

3. Dogs reduce stress

In 2016/17, 12.5 million working days were lost in the UK due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Whether or not you own a dog, the process of patting and stroking a dog reduces blood pressure, makes you more relaxed and makes you feel generally ‘better’ and less stressed. So, as well as offering employees health benefits it can also save you money.

4. Dogs encourage several health benefits

Sick days are always something your office can improve on – dogs can help with just that. Owning a pet has shown to cause people to have fewer visits to the doctor, lower cholesterol and improved heart health.

5. You’ll save your employees money and provide a new employee perk

We all have lives outside of work – some of which cost a lot of money, think mortgage, cars, children and now even pets. Pet sitting a dog whilst you’re at work can cost you a lot of money (you can expect to pay anything between £20 - £100 per day).

By providing employees with the perk of bringing their dog to work they save money, which provides them with a financial perk which costs you nothing.

6. You won’t be the only ones

If you’re serious about attracting or retaining great talent you need to be competing with the leaders and offering the same or similar perks as they do. Google, Ben & Jerry’s, Amazon and Salesforce are all companies which let you take your dog to work!

Of course, it all depends on the dog – the temperament, the size and the overall behaviour however we believe that with the right management and approach to bringing your dog to work you can successfully have a less stressed, more sociable workforce.